How to Make a Map - Basic Tutorial

This tutorial will teach you how to select a Map Theme and Layers, Zoom In and Zoom Out, Pan, and Print a Map. These functions will be demonstrated by creating a map showing the richness of bird species near riparian areas in Cochise County.

If at any time you encounter an unfamiliar term, please consult our Glossary.

Selecting a Map Theme

First select a map theme from the Make A Map page. There are four map themes available, Natural Resources, People and Society, Business and Economics, and Environment and Population. The description under each theme explains what information is mapped in that theme.

For this tutorial, we will explore Natural Resources. This map theme includes data layers that allow one to discover and examine the relationship between wildlife (such as the richness of bird species) and water resources (riparian areas).

Selecting Layers

After selecting Natural Resources, a map of Arizona with census places, county boundaries, and highways will appear. These are the three default layers for the map.

TIP: If the image in the map frame does not completely fill your viewing window after selecting your map theme, be sure to resize the browser window before you begin using the Atlas applications. You can resize the window by clicking on Refresh in the Windows Tool Bar.

Notice the Layer List to the right of your map. The Areas and Transportation folders containing the default layers are open, and the boxes in front of 2000 Census Places, 2000 County Boundaries, and Highways are checked.

	2000 Census Places
	2000 County Boundaries

	Highways

In order to create a map with the following two additional layers:

• Riparian Areas
• Bird Species Richness

the correct folders must be opened.

Since Riparian Areas has to do with water, open the Water folder, and check the box next to Riparian Areas.

	Riparian Areas

After checking the box next to Riparian Areas, the Redraw Map icon appears.

Riparian Areas

Thus, in order to display the color-coded Riparian Areas layer on your map, you must click at the bottom of your screen. After doing so, your Arizona map will display the Riparian Areas of Arizona

TIP: You must always click to apply the selected layer to your map. Also, a layer may be turned off by un-checking the box and clicking .

Next, open the Animals folder in order to reveal Bird Species Richness and several other layers. Rather than a check box, a Zoom In icon appears before each layer indicating that you must zoom in on a map location in order to view these layers.

	Reptile Species Richness
	Mammal Species Richness
	Bird Species Richness
	Amphibian Species Richness

Zoom In & Zoom Out

The tool increases the detail of the map; the tool decreases the detail of the map.

There are two options for using the Zoom In tool.

Zoom In Option One:

First, click on the Map Toolbar. The tool will now appear indented. Next, click on the word "Cochise” in the lower right (southeast) corner of your map. A more detailed view of Cochise County will appear.

=>

Click on “Cochise” two more times, and the Zoom In icon next to Bird Species Richness will automatically convert to a check box. Also, a color-coded legend will appear below the layer name. Zoom in on "Cochise" several more times for a more detailed view of the area.

TIP: As you zoom in, some layers will display labels on your map. Also, note that the Overview Map at the top-left corner of your map has a red box showing the area of Arizona that you are currently viewing.

Now you can check the box for Bird Species Richness, and Redraw your map to view this layer.

Zoom In Option Two:

(Before beginning, if Zoom Option One was followed, uncheck Bird Species Richness, redraw your map, and click to go back to the full extent of the map.)

While holding the mouse's left button down, drag a box around the boundary for Cochise County, and then release the mouse button. A closer view of Cochise County defined by the box will be displayed.

=>

At this point, the check box next to Bird Species Richness should be displayed. If not, continue to zoom in on your map until the Zoom In icon next to Bird Species Richness converts to a check box. At that time, a color-coded legend will also appear below the layer name.

Now you can check the box for Bird Species Richness, and Redraw your map to view this layer.

Zoom Out:

In order to zoom out of a particular location, first click on the Map Toolbar. The tool now appears indented. Next, click a place or drag a red box on the map as you did in the Zoom In Option Two, above. The place clicked or red box will zoom out your viewing window to display a larger area, with the place clicked or red box as the center of your map.

=>

Use both the Zoom In and Zoom Out tools to get the amount of detail you need.

TIP: If you make a mistake or would like to return to your immediately previous map, click on the Map Toolbar. Also, you can begin anew by clicking .

Pan Tool

The tool is used for moving the map around the screen while keeping the same level of detail.

There are three ways you can pan your map

Pan Option One:

First, click on the Map Toolbar. The tool will appear indented. Next, simply click on a point on the right (east) side of your map. Your map will then shift left (west) so that you can see the area on the right (east) side of the map that was originally outside your viewing area.

=>

Pan Option Two:

With the tool still indented, place your cursor on a point on the right (east) side of your map. Depress the mouse's left button, drag the map to the left (west), and release the mouse button. This will display the area on the right (east) side of your map that was originally outside your viewing window.

=>

Pan Option Three:

There are Pan Arrows, and , placed around your map at the eight cardinal directions: North, South, East, West, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and Southwest. Click on any of these pan arrows to shift your map in that direction.

For example, click at the right side of the map frame to display the area on the right (east) side of your map that was originally outside your viewing window.

=>

Any of these three options may be used to pan the map to a desired location.

As the viewing window moves to eastern Cochise County, several Riparian Areas will appear.

Print Map

To obtain a hard copy of the map, click on the General Toolbar on the left side of your screen. A Print Map Options pop-up window will appear.

Type in a title for your map in the Map Title box (Sample One), and a name in the Created By box (Atlas Tutorial). For Optional Map Elements, keep the default (the Date and Overview Map boxes are checked). Select Landscape for Map Orientation. Click and a Print Preview Page will appear.

Next, click on File (at top left of your screen) and select Print. A print window will appear for you to select your printer. Click on your printer and then on the Print tool.

CONGRATULATIONS! You have just created your first customized Arizona Electronic Atlas map!